William Robert Elms

HUDSON - William “Bill” Elms, 94, went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 10, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Virginia “Ginny” Elms, and by his sister, Jennie Pastoriza. He is survived by his son, John Elms; his daughter, Elizabeth (James) Bascom; his granddaughters, Kathryne (Peter) Sinelnikova and Kristen Bascom; and his great granddaughters, Sofia and Lia Sinelnikova.

Born on September 17, 1931, to Stephen and Hazel Elms, Bill ended up sharing this birthday with both his wife and his daughter—an anecdote he loved to tell anyone willing to listen.

Bill lived a life marked by duty, honor, and steadfast commitment. After graduating from Purdue University in 1953 on a Navy ROTC scholarship, he served three years on active duty in the United States Navy and continued in the Naval Reserve until retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1976.

Armed with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration, Bill spent the majority of his professional career at B.F. Goodrich. There he held numerous engineering, management, and executive roles until his retirement in 1989.

Retirement only broadened Bill’s horizons. He and Ginny traveled extensively, as well as dedicating their time and energy to supporting missionary work. Bill also served faithfully as a deacon and usher at The Chapel in Akron, where his family worshipped for many years. In recent years, he was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Hudson.

Bill was an athlete at heart. He loved golf, and his name appears multiple times on the Rider Lake Champion trophy at the Laurel Lake Retirement Community. He was also an avid jigsaw puzzler and a quietly formidable card player—never one to let his granddaughters win at Skip Bo without earning it!

His life was defined by quiet integrity, disciplined work, devotion to family, and unwavering faith in his Lord.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to his favorite mission organization, Wycliffe Bible Translators, PO Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862, 1 800 992 5433, www.wycliffe.org/donate.

A memorial service to honor Bill’s life will be held at a future date.